Trinity Barristers' Successful DWP Fraud Prosecution

Trinity Criminal and Regulatory barristers Michael Graham and Yvonne Taylor were instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the successful prosecution of over 22 Defendants at Teesside Crown Court. The prosecution arose from fraudulent claims for Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) "Crisis Loans" together with other DWP benefit related offences. The Crisis Loans were obtained on the basis of false representations, it was purported that the sums sought in the loan applications were required for advance payment of rent for new accommodation for homeless applicants. 

Whilst the majority of the defendants escaped custodial sentences, the organiser of the fraud, defendant, Samuel Smith, who facilitated the fraudulent obtaining of the loans in the names of others, was sentenced to four years imprisonment. 

Barristers Michael Graham and Yvonne Taylor are each members of Trinity Chambers’ Criminal and Regulatory practice groups.